Samuel, who one of the 10 winners of Star Golden Hearts Award 2019 – an annual award that celebrates unsung Malaysian heroes – is in the State University of New York as a Fulbright scholar, pursuing a Master’s degree in Educational Policy and Leadership.

Norhailmi is a science teacher at SMK Jerlun, Ayer Hitam, Kedah and an active blogger who writes on education issues. He was also an Excellent Teacher Award recipient.

The two are the eighth and ninth Malaysians shortlisted for the prestigious award.

Madenjit Singh was the first Malaysian to be in the top 10 list. Yasmin Noorul Amin, Noorjahan Sultan, Vanesri Kasi, Mohd Sirhajwan Idek, K.A. Razhiyah and Dr Muhamad Khairul Anuar Hussin were among the top 50 over the last four years.

The award carries a US$1mil (RM4.3mil) prize money and is presented annually to an exceptional teacher who has made an outstanding contribution to the profession.

The Varkey Foundation established the prize in 2014, to recognise and celebrate the impact that teachers have around the world – not only on their students, but also on the communities around them.

The Top 50 shortlist was published on the Global Teacher Prize website on Thursday morning (March 19).

“Over the last few weeks, in a world turned upside down, we’ve been daily reminded how much we rely on the world's teachers. Now, more than ever, we must shine a light on their profession, ” a statement on the website read.

“As global education systems adapt to a new and unfamiliar terrain, the one voice that should never be drowned out is that of the teacher. As schools have been forced to shut their gates, parents and students know their true value – and the lessons they teach us all far beyond the classroom.

“We are honoured to announce the Top 50 outstanding Finalists for the 2020 Global Teacher Prize. Supporting teachers as they continue to inspire, even as the world shifts under their feet, isn’t just the right thing to do, it’s the wellspring of our future, ” it read.